Day WDs from Open to spend time with newborn

Day WDs from Open to spend time with newborn

WESTERVILLE, Ohio — Jason Day has withdrawn from the Open Championship, choosing instead to stay home with his newborn son.

The decision was not surprising for Day, a 24-year-old Australian who has said family is his top priority. His agent said Day’s wife, Ellie, gave birth to Dash James Day at 10:15 p.m. Tuesday. It is the couple’s first child.

Day is No. 21 in the Official World Golf Ranking. A year ago, he was runner-up at the Masters and U.S. Open.

He would not be replaced at the Open Championship, which is July 19-22 at Royal Lytham & St. Annes, until the field is assured to go below 156 players. Day’s decision Wednesday leaves 155 players, with two spots available this weekend. Webb Simpson, whose wife is expecting their second child and is not likely to play, has not officially withdrawn.